ASSESSMENT OF ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN UNDER-FIVE PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Abstract

Background: Anemia is one of the most common nutritional disorders in children under five years of age, particularly in developing countries. Iron deficiency remains the leading cause, contributing significantly to morbidity, impaired growth, and developmental delay. Methodology: This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam. Children aged 6–59 months were screened based on hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Detailed clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations including complete blood count and iron profile were performed. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Categorical variables were expressed in percentages and statistical significance was assessed using appropriate tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 200 children were studied. Moderate anemia was the most common (48%), followed by mild anemia, while severe anemia was observed in 9.5% of cases. Pallor was present in most moderate and severe cases but was absent in a proportion of mild cases, indicating limited sensitivity of clinical diagnosis alone. Anemia was most prevalent in the 6–24 months age group (93.2%). Laboratory findings showed reduced hemoglobin indices and iron deficiency pattern in most cases. Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent among under-five children, predominantly due to iron deficiency. Early screening and combined clinical-laboratory diagnosis are essential for effective management and prevention.